Donations help Give-A-Christmas

Donations to the Daily Tribune’s 27th annual Give-A-Christmas Year Around fundraising drive help Common Ground, South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Oakland County assist needy local families and individuals.

Every cent donated is divided between the three non-profit groups that serve the southeastern part of the county.

Common Ground has a shelter in Royal Oak called The Sanctuary for homeless and runaway youths ages 10-17. The program’s goal is family reunification. Nearby, there is a transitional housing program for 16- to 20-year-olds called A Step Forward.

The children, teens and young adults get a place to stay, food and counseling but some needs can’t be met because most grants and financial assistance that make up the Common Ground budget have strings attached. That’s where Give-a-Christmas donations come in. The money goes to supply things such as clothes, gas, and prescriptions.

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SOCH runs the Welcome Inn — the only daytime warming center in the area. Last year, operators used their Give-A-Christmas donation to buy fruits and vegetables for lunches and fuel for its shuttle bus, which also got a repair job thanks to readers. The bus takes guests to job interviews, doctor appointments and the nighttime warming centers at area churches.

Then, there’s the Boys & Girls Club, which used its share of the donations to cover the $25 membership fees for needy young members. A club worker also processes the donations, which are sent to its base at the Jack and Patti Salter Community Center in Royal Oak.

More than 1,700 youth ages 8 to 18, mostly from Royal Oak, Madison Heights and Hazel Park, attend the educational, leadership and recreation programs at the club. About 20 percent of them are on “membership scholarships,” many made possible by Give-a-Christmas.

Last year, readers donated $10,556.50 to the agencies. The Daily Tribune passed along all of it. Because Give-A-Christmas is administered by a volunteer board of directors, there is no financial overhead, only financial aid to neighbors who need it the most.

To make a donation, send a check payable to “Give-A-Christmas Year Around.” The Daily Tribune will publish memorials or holiday greetings from donors. Send the checks and comments to: